Chepstow RFC U9 v Lydney RFC U9 – Match Report

The pouring rain wasn’t set to dampen the spirits of both teams as they prepared for the cross-border match up between these close rivals. There was more than local pride at stake with Monday morning bragging rights at stake between 2 players per side who are classmates at St John’s-on-the-Hill School. Playing on English soil and to English rules, Chepstow were expecting a difficult day having studied the difference in rules during Wednesday nights training session.

The game kicked off with Lydney in possession of the ball, some tough Chepstow tackling led to an early six tag turnover. Some incisive running by Owen and a great spin out of tackle led to the first try of the game. With a second drive forward by Chepstow Tomas was set to be the 6th man tackled but for a show of strength he got over for the second Chepstow try. A knock-on by Lydney gave Chepstow control of the ball again and a further try, this time from Osian. Lydney then burst through the defence of Chepstow to score their first try. Otis quickly grabbed his first of the match before Lydney grabbed a second try. Tomas then pushed on to get a second try followed up by a third Lydney try. Chepstow 5 tries to Lydney 3 tries.

Chepstow got the second half off to a great start with another try by Otis, Lydney pushed back hard in the second half and grabbed 2 tries to bring the game into a one try game. Tempers began to fracture on the Lydney ranks and a few moments of reduced playing numbers allowed Chepstow to take the ascendancy with a further try by Owen following a great push over, Otis found space to weave his way through the defence to bag 2 further tries and Xander’s strong running gave him just rewards with a try at the end of the game. Chepstow 5 tries to Lydney 2 tries.

All in all a great performance by Chepstow’s young players who adapted well to the English rules, in particularly playing to the referring of the game where players were given free rein to keep the game alive, encouraging the offload in the tackle. One area to work on is the tackle area, while in England the focus is below the chest area we got caught a number of times wrapping the player around the arms and slipping into a high tackle.

A brilliant day out in the rain….

Final Score – Lydney 25 v 50 Chepstow

Player of the Match – Otis for his resolute tackling, filling gaps and smothering the Lydney key players and frustrating them all game.

Tries – Owen(2), Tomas (2), Osian, Otis (4), Xander

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